Why We Chose Goats — And What Breed Suited Our Small Farm
Why We Chose Boer Goats
We’re building a farm around the values of self-sufficiency, sustainability and simplicity. Every animal we bring in has a purpose and choosing the right breeds is a big part of that. Here’s why Boer goats turned out to be the perfect fit for our setup.
Why We Chose Boer Goats
Temperament and Social Nature
Boer goats are known for their friendly, social nature, which made them the ideal choice for us. We wanted animals that were not only functional but also enjoyable to interact with and Boer goats fit that bill perfectly. Their curious, calm and easy-going personalities make them ideal companions for a hobby farm. Whether we’re walking through the paddocks or simply spending time with them, their friendly nature makes farm life more enjoyable. They’re also great with other animals, fostering a harmonious environment on the farm.
Hardiness and Health
Another reason we chose Boer goats is their resilience. Boer goats are known for their hardiness and disease resistance, making them relatively low-maintenance. Their ability to thrive in a variety of environments, including the fluctuating conditions of the Fleurieu Peninsula, makes them ideal for our farming system. Boer goats also adapt well to rotational grazing, which is a key aspect of how we manage our farm’s pastures.
Multipurpose Use
While Boer goats are primarily raised for meat production, we breed them as friendly pets for hobby farms and homesteads. Their gentle, approachable nature makes them perfect companions for families looking to add a bit of personality to their homesteads. These goats also help clear brush and weeds around the property, reducing our reliance on machinery or chemicals. Additionally, though many of the farms we supply prefer them as pets, some may also want to breed their own Boer goats for food production, providing even more flexibility for us and our customers.
Meat Quality and Production
Boer goats are well known for producing tender, lean and flavorful meat that’s in high demand. While their friendly nature and versatility were part of the appeal, their value as a reliable source of quality meat was a big factor in our decision. Raising our own goats means we can enjoy home-grown meat while ensuring the animals are well cared for every step of the way.
Ease of Breeding and Flexibility
One of the reasons Boer goats are such a good fit for our farm is their excellent reproductive performance. They have a higher birth rate than sheep, often producing twins or even triplets, which is a big plus for a farm focused on self-sufficiency. Boers are easy to breed and by keeping a buck on-site, we have full control over our breeding program.
Conclusion
Choosing Boer goats has been a decision we’re happy with. Their friendly temperament, hardiness and versatility make them a valuable asset to the farm. Whether they’re helping clear brush, providing high-quality meat or offering companionship as pets for hobby farms, Boer goats fit perfectly with our goals of sustainability and self-sufficiency. We look forward to continuing our journey with these incredible animals.